OUR STORY
THE TREBEK INITIATIVE
IGNITING A PASSION TO PRESERVE
WHAT WE DO
The Trebek Initiative supports emerging Canadian storytellers, scientists and conservation leaders whose work helps Canadians see their country in new ways. Their discoveries deepen understanding, strengthen our connection to Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and inspire a passion to preserve.
INSPIRED BY ALEX TREBEK'S
PASSION FOR UNDERSTANDING CANADA
Alex Trebek believed that geographic knowledge mattered. He often spoke about the importance of understanding the places and stories that shape our lives, and spent decades supporting organizations dedicated to exploration and learning.
The Trebek Initiative was named in his honour and reflects his belief in helping Canadians better understand the country they call home.
“Geographic knowledge has never been more important than it is today, because the better we know each other, the better we can understand and accept each other. My love of geography has allowed me to be associated with two organizations I deeply admire for more than 25 years, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
and National Geographic Society. I am humbled that these two esteemed organizations will form the Alex Trebek Council to help support efforts to increase understanding of Canada’s many
geographic wonders.”
—Alex Trebek, RCGS Honorary President, May 2016-2020
© Colin Rowe
TWO ICONIC ORGANIZATIONS
ONE SHARED PURPOSE
Built on a shared legacy of storytelling and exploration, the Trebek Initiative is a partnership
between the National Geographic Society and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, supporting people whose work helps to illuminate and protect the wonders of Canada.
"Significant, lasting change often begins with a single breakthrough: a story that shifts our perspective or a scientific discovery that redefines our understanding of the world.
Through our partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, via the Trebek Initiative, we proudly support extraordinary Canadian scientists, conservationists, storytellers and educators at the forefront of these efforts.
Jill Tiefenthaler
Chief Executive Officer National Geographic Society
“The Canadian researchers and explorers supported through this program continue to advance our understanding of the country’s natural and cultural heritage while helping shape solutions for future generations.
Their work reaches millions through Canadian Geographic and reflects the spirit of exploration that guides our mission."
John Geiger
Chief Executive Officer Royal Canadian Geographical Society
HOW WE WORK
FUND EXPLORATION
Funding helps turn promising ideas into fieldwork, research, films, photography
and public engagement.
GROWTH BEYOND THE GRANT
Early support helps promising work attract new funding and partnerships, allowing it to reach more people, inform new research and create lasting impact.
IDENTIFY & SUPPORT TALENT
Emerging researchers, filmmakers and conservation leaders connect with the Initiative through workshops, mentorship
and the application process.
CONNECT & AMPLIFY
Grantees gain access to a network of peers, partners and audiences that can help their work reach further.
"Historical data can provide valuable windows into the past that would otherwise be lost to time.
Bringing those records together with modern surveys helps guide kelp restoration today."
Trebek Grantee - Brian Timmer
Underwater Forests In A Warming Sea
STORIES FUEL IMPACT
Stories, research and public engagement help important work reach wider audiences.
FILMS
ARTICLES
SCIENCE JOURNALS
PRESENTATIONS
"No one had ever filmed St. Lawrence belugas in winter before.
We didn't capture everything we'd hoped for, but together with scientists, filmmakers and local partners, we came away knowing where, when and how this work can be done."
Trebek Grantee - Camille Martel
Beneath The Ice: A First Look At The Endangered
St. Lawrence Beluga Whales In Their Winter Habitat
GROWTH BEYOND THE GRANT
Trebek’s support helps promising work go further. As projects gain momentum,
new partners and funding help expand their impact beyond the original grant.
KIRA HOFFMAN
With new federal support, the Gitanyow Nation is expanding cultural burning knowledge-sharing with two other First Nations in British Columbia.
ANDREW BUDZIAK
Andrew’s freshwater research evolved into Freeze the Future,
expanding under-ice environmental DNA monitoring across Canada.
ALEXANDER DUNGATE
Fisheries monitoring research led to the creation of OnDeck AI, a computer vision company supporting conservation, robotics and public infrastructure.
JOIN US
Igniting a Passion to Preserve
Meaningful discoveries rarely happen in isolation.
They begin with people willing to explore important questions and grow through the support of others who believe that work matters.
Whether you're looking to stay connected, support the Initiative or
apply for funding, there are many ways to take part.
